We follow Easter Sunday with Divine Mercy Sunday. The church in its wisdom recognizes that Christ’s passion & resurrection is intimately connected to God’s will to show us His Divine Mercy. The most assuring words that people can offer to each other are words that we often take lightly: “I’ll always be there for you, even if we don’t see eye to eye!” Whether said in marriage, in close friendship, or in community relationships, these words not only bring a smile to our face but a strong sense of peace as well. Every human person needs to know that someone will always be thinking of them, even if that person has been difficult to bear up with at times! To know that another human being cares for me so much and is thinking of me no matter what, makes life feel not only secure but joyful as well. Yet we also know that being human as we are, our promise to always be there for each other sometimes gets broken. We either make a misstep or forget to follow through with our promise because we become too worried and anxious about our own lives. When that happens, the peace that we have shared leaves us and worry takes over. That’s why forgiveness is such an important Christian virtue. Today is Divine Mercy Sunday. The church places it immediately after Easter Sunday because it wants us to remember the promise of the Risen Savior to His disciples (us): “I will be with you until the end of time!” Wow!! We know that means eternal in God’s plan for us – so that means that Jesus is going to walk us into eternal life in a peaceful and joyful way! Even if we are not perfect and haven’t done all we could have or should have, God never reneges on His promise: “I will be with you until the end of time!” Jesus doesn’t even withhold His promise! That’s why the Psalmist in today’s responsorial can sing with confidence: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting!” In our daily living, God just asks of us to embrace Jesus’ example: “As the Father has sent Me (to you), so I send you (to others); receive the good news; whose sins you forgive are forgiven.” One of the most amazing gifts that Jesus has given to us His disciples is the gift of showing mercy. Too many Catholics think that only the priest is empowered to forgive sins via the confessional. They don’t believe in their own power to forgive another person in the name of Jesus our Risen Savior. But we all have that power! When we share forgiveness with one another, we are really reminding ourselves to be grateful for God’s love and mercy. What then follows is a peace that only Christ can give! May you always witness God’s Divine Mercy to one another: it is our ticket to heaven!   ~ Fr. John